George Smith got an earlier-than-expected return when David Pocock had to leave the field with a knee injury after just 13 minutes of the match. Smith was supposed to be the Brumbies’ back-up and surplus to an already strong forward pack. But Pocock couldn’t get back to his feet after falling awkwardly in the first half. While Smith’s presence is a massive bonus, losing Pocock is a huge blow to the Brumbies’ finals hopes. Pocock suffered a suspected torn anterior cruciate ligament.

It would have been easy for a young team like the Brumbies to fall in a heap on Saturday night. Pocock was injured, Sam Carter was sent to the sin bin, Andrew Smith damaged his rib cartilage and the Waratahs were desperate for a win. But if ever there was a season-defining triumph, this was it. They held on staunchly in defence in the second half as the Waratahs tried to charge to the lead. And they turned defence into attack. They’ve now won three straight games to start the season and the new generation of Brumbies have shown they’ve got the guts to match their talent. The Brumbies are yet to concede a point in the second half of their three matches and have scored two bonus-point wins.

Tempers boiled over in the last 10 minutes of the match. Brumbies prop Ben Alexander appeared to use his boot in the ruck for stomping and a melee broke out. Alexander was sent to the sin bin and could face disciplinary action from SANZAR if he’s cited by match officials. It could mean a suspension stint on the sideline, an absence the Brumbies can hardly afford with two massive games in South Africa.

A crowd of 20,027 turned out for the blockbuster rivalry clash. It was the first time since 2009 more than 20,000 fans had packed into Canberra Stadium and just the fourth time since 2006. If the Brumbies keep winning in South Africa, they can expect a rousing reception when they return home at the end of March to take on the Pretoria Bulls.